This is a first for us! We’re incredibly proud to announce the hatching of two Grand Cayman iguanas here at the Fort Worth Zoo! This iguana is an endangered species and around 20 years ago, less than 10 individuals remained in the wild. Thanks to managed breeding and conservation programs, that number has climbed to over 700, however feral cats and dogs are still major threats to the species’ survival.
The two hatchlings are growing in a behind-the-scenes area of the Zoo and will eventually head to other institutions to become part of a cooperative breeding program. As an effort with other accredited zoos, we’re working to establish a healthy, genetically diverse population of the Grand Cayman iguana as a hedge against extinction. A big congratulations to the zookeepers and staff working behind-the-scenes on this conservation success!
Abroad, we play a part in conserving many iguana species in their native ranges. Fort Worth Zoo staff are actively involved in the International Iguana Foundation and the IUCN’s Iguana Specialist Group to identify conservation priorities and conservation action for endangered iguanas worldwide, including the Grand Cayman iguana.